Brendan Rodgers’ first three months back on the job have been challenging.

He had the foresight to realize, even before he signed the contract, that he would have to work to win over the hearts and minds of the supporters who would never forgive him for moving to Leicester City in the first place. That challenge got a little bit harder when Celtic lost their hold on the first trophy of the season after losing the League Cup to Kilmarnock early in the season, eliminating any possibility of keeping Big Ange’s treble.

The pressure reached almost boiling point when Rodgers was fighting to hold a lead at the top of the Premiership standings, and when he witnessed his fierce rivals, the Rangers, celebrating lifting that exact trophy at Hampden last month. Therefore, it makes sense that the 50-year-old breathed a sigh of relief when some of the pressure dropped following Saturday’s Old Firm triumph. Of course, he’s not quite out of the woods. If Rangers win their next two games, Celtic’s eight-point lead will appear far less significant. However, a potentially dangerous situation has been stabilized—at least for the time being. A victory over St. Mirren will ease tensions even more, allowing Rodgers to maybe ponder why all the commotion during the Christmas break.

When questioned whether there was any truth to the rumors that Celtic was going to collapse, Rodgers responded, “We’re absolutely fine.” “Unfortunately, it’s the noise that follows a Celtics or Rangers team,” he continued. However, I have enough expertise to ignore the commotion. I can concentrate on the team’s success and observe how each player is growing and progressing. I also see areas where we can improve.

“This squad was assembled at a different time than the previous squad that I assembled upon my arrival. So, with one or two, there may be a slight decrease off. I have told the players that their task is to uphold that quality of performance and mindset. It’s my responsibility to lead that, and I will.”

Nevertheless, Rodgers is well aware of the scrutiny he is under now that it’s his second chance. The Northern Irishman admits he’s aiming to win over a more demanding audience now that he first crossed the border in May 2016, when he did so amid a shower of rose petals.

It was never going to be the same as the first time, he declared. When I enter mark II, it is completely different from mark I. That was always going to be the case since the players and the group are different.

“It’s not simply the team that makes a huge difference. The club had won the league when I initially arrived, but they were still eager and focused on winning more. In order to inspire the team and the individuals to continue their desire, we wanted to win in the best way possible. The guys accomplished it throughout the course of the following two years, and they were outstanding.

“Those players are in a later stage of the cycle. They have completed two years of this. They’ve experienced two years of prosperity. And after two years, you know, things start to change when you’re a Celtic player.

Thus, recalibration is required, which is clearly the reason it takes a little longer. However, you don’t get much time at this club.

Nevertheless, he has gained some of it from Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Rangers. However, Rodgers understands the significance of adding three more points in Paisley to support that triumph. All things considered, this does not seem like the right time to start decelerating.

“I have experience warning against that,” he said with a nod. As you can see, there is always room for improvement and room for analysis because no performance is flawless.

But pay attention, it’s crucial that you go into the following game with the same enthusiasm as before, after you’ve won a huge one. We are currently playing with a steel and style that I want to see throughout the team.

“We didn’t give away as much against Livingston and Dundee. Then, we didn’t give up much throughout the game against the Rangers either.

Thus, the ever-important work rate, mindset, and consistency are getting better every day. However, we must incorporate that throughout each game.

After this match is finished, Rodgers will let his players rest as he takes a cautious approach to the January transfer window. More than only the result of the championship match this season could be decided by what transpires afterward.

Although Rodgers understands the significance of the upcoming weeks, he also understands the value of giving his current players time to rest and recover before making a major drive in May.

“The players will get a little bit of time—they need that,” he stated. They will take a break during which they may spend some time with their family.

“While they’re away, they’ll have some work to do, but it’s a good chance to reset before they go again.” A period of no games precedes our participation in the Scottish Cup. Hence, we can complete a lot of work in that time.

GET MORE NEWS HERE